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The world is facing challenges, but a sense of hope remains. A fresh honor originating at the interdisciplinary festival Starmus aims to inspire individuals to make a difference.

The medal will honor in memory of the esteemed British primatologist who passed away this year. It is designed to celebrate individuals and groups that protect our planet's biodiversity.

Award Details

The inaugural winners are slated for announcement during the Starmus VIII festival in Tenerife and La Palma, which will run from 17–22 October next year.

Reports indicate that Jane Goodall, a former member of the festival's board, had supported the medal's establishment. “The concept of having this award, and the festival being tasked to oversee it, originated with Jane,” a statement said. “She expressed that she wanted this to happen. And I think because of the very special relationship she shared with us.”

“The Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will acknowledge ongoing initiatives undertaken to create a planet a better place for all living beings and ecosystems and provide encouragement for the continuation such efforts,” said a family member.

Structure and Vision

One of the founders of the festival indicated that the medal – which was announced at a scientific institution – would probably encompass various fields.

“The intent is for it to be very much similar to the Stephen Hawking medal for science communication established a decade past,” he explained. Goodall was an honoree of that award.

Sharing thoughts about the future of the planet, one figure stated, “Frankly, it’s very hard to feel hopeful. Present governance globally is conducting a war on science. This situation really cripples the world’s efforts.”

“In truth, the prospects aren't very good which means we need to really start reflecting, much more seriously about the consequences of our actions. This concern encompasses not only climate change, that’s the entire manner that we treat the natural world.”

A Call to Action

Consequently, it was noted this is a good time to follow her guiding principles. “It is believed that when we’re awarding this medal, we will be considering this core philosophy that Jane embodied – that was her foremost concern, to change how we regard the other animals around us.”

Another key issue currently is the proliferation of misinformation. The theme of next year’s Starmus festival will be “the pursuit of factual understanding”.

“It has become apparent that factual reality has become a matter of debate where political interests is involved. And it’s an alarming trend,” he commented. “Climate research is a science; you cannot have any influence by political agendas in climate science.”

Optimism and Resolve

The goal is that this honor can motivate action. “It’s about motivating others to get involved and to care and to work in that direction, truly. Whether or not we’re optimistic, we must look at working our utmost,” it was added. “Be prepared for setbacks, but you still have to work towards succeeding.”

A descendant engaged in environmental protection expressed confidence that “given direction and once enabled, humans can be diligent stewards of our planet”, highlighting the initiatives of an institute that, among its other activities, assists the youth get involved locally, animals, and the natural world.

“As my late grandmother constantly reminded us, our daily actions make a difference and it is up to us the kind of difference we choose to create,” he said. “It is not too late and the Starmus Jane Goodall Earth medal will provide inspiration and raise awareness regarding beneficial initiatives that are being undertaken.”